Anna Hazare Threatens Hunger Strike Over Maharashtra RTI Rule Amendments
Social activist Anna Hazare has threatened an indefinite hunger strike from July 5, 2026, unless the Maharashtra government withdraws controversial amendments to the RTI Rules, effective June 12, 2026. The changes raise fees, cap applications to one subject with a 150-word limit, mandate photo ID (risking whistleblower anonymity), ban lawyers from hearings, and allow case abatement upon applicant death. Activists and civil rights groups are also challenging the rules in court, alleging they violate the central RTI Act and were made without public consultation.
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Civil rights activists challenge Maharashtra RTI Amendment Rules 2026 in court, send legal notice
On June 24, 2026, prominent civil rights activists including former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, advocate Prahlad Kachare, and RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar sent a legal notice to the Maharashtra government demanding full rollback of the Maharashtra Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The activists challenge multiple provisions including tripling of application fees, new fees for appeals, a 150-word limit per query, mandatory disclosure of applicant identity (removing whistleblower anonymity), banning lawyers at hearings, and automatic case dismissal or abatement if the applicant fails to appear or dies. The notice alleges that these amendments collectively make accessing information more expensive, technical, and burdensome, violating the citizen-centric framework of the central RTI Act, 2005. The activists assert that the rules were introduced without prior public consultation or disclosure, violating rule-making procedures. They also argue that the procedural hurdles could penalize citizens for bona fide reasons and deny substantive rights on technical grounds. The group seeks restoration of the previous legal position and transparent consultation with RTI users, journalists, and civil society before any fresh rules.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Anna Hazare warns of mass agitation unless Maharashtra withdraws RTI amendments
Social activist Anna Hazare issued an ultimatum to the Maharashtra Government on June 24, 2026, demanding the withdrawal of the Maharashtra Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2026. After an unsatisfactory meeting with the Chief Information Commissioner in Ralegan Siddhi, Hazare warned that if the amendments are not scrapped before July 5, he will go on a hunger strike and launch a nation-wide agitation. The amendments have tripled application fees, introduced appeals fees, capped free information for Below Poverty Line individuals, limited RTI queries to one subject and 150 words, mandated applicant identity disclosure (removing whistleblower anonymity), banned lawyers from hearings, and allow dismissal of cases if the applicant dies or fails to appear. The Chief Information Commissioner claimed the meeting was satisfactory, but activists questioned his role as mediator since he lacks power to amend or revoke the rules. Hazare called for formation of a new committee of pro-people experts and officials.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Maharashtra RTI rules amendments trigger criticism
The Maharashtra government amended the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, replacing the 2005 rules, effective July 5. The amendments raise application fees from ₹10 to ₹30, photocopy fees from ₹2 to ₹5 per page, and introduce first and second appeal fees of ₹50 and ₹100. A new requirement mandates applicants submit a self-attested photo ID, which activists argue endangers whistleblowers and excludes underdocumented groups. The government initially required stating the purpose but withdrew it after conflict with Section 6(2) of the RTI Act. The rules also limit applications to one subject per request with a 150-word limit. Veteran activist Anna Hazare has threatened an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 if the amendments are not withdrawn. NGOs and RTI activists protested the changes in Thane on June 18. Activists argue provisions could be used to reject applications.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Anna Hazare Threatens Hunger Strike Over Maharashtra RTI Rule Changes
Indian social activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike starting July 5, 2026, unless the Maharashtra state government withdraws recent amendments to the state's Right to Information (RTI) rules. Hazare asserts that the changes weaken the RTI Act and undermine government transparency. He has demanded an immediate rollback of the amendments. The announcement was reported by The Hindu on June 23, 2026. Hazare is a well-known figure in India's anti-corruption movement, and his threats of protest signal a potential escalation of public pressure on the Maharashtra government regarding access to information laws.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Anna Hazare Threatens Hunger Strike if Maharashtra RTI Rule Amendments Not Revoked by July 5
Social activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5, 2026, if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules made on June 12, 2026. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hazare objected to fee hikes, mandatory ID proof, the 'one subject, one application' rule, and other restrictions, arguing they undermine transparency and violate the 2005 RTI Act. He stated that the amendments were made without public consultation and shift the burden onto citizens. Hazare, a veteran RTI activist, vowed to begin the fast at Yadav Baba Temple in Ralegan Siddhi even if it costs his life. He urged the government to instead strengthen proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.